Details on royal occasion published on British monarchy’s official website

Mon, Apr 14, 2014, 01:00

Mark Hilliard

President Michael D Higgins: accompanies by group of key officials and dignatories. Photograph: Alan Betson

At least eight key Government advisors and senior civil servants attended last week’s royal banquet at Windsor Castle for the official state visit of President Michael D Higgins, according to details published on the official website of the British monarchy.

While full guest list information was not forthcoming through official Irish channels last week, a breakdown of exactly who got a seat at the most sought after of diplomatic dinners emerged in the weekend circular.

Former Irish attorney general Peter Sutherland and incoming secretary general at the Department of Foreign Affairs Niall Burgess were also among the dignitaries.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore and his wife Carol Hanney, the Irish Ambassador Daniel Mulhall and his wife Greta and Col Brendan McAndrew, aide-de-camp to President Higgins, were listed as part of the suite of the President of Ireland.